When I first spied this cute little dress at Old Navy, I needed it. The print is perfect, the little ruffles on the bottom are perfect and on the tall/average height Old Navy model, the dress looked perfect. Then I reminded myself that loose, swing style dresses, tend to look a little like a shapeless tent on my 4’10” frame. So I didn’t buy it.
Fast forward a few weeks, and my Old Navy rewards came in, making this dress essentially free to me. So I took a chance on the petite version and crossed my fingers. Luckily, the dress worked! The print is just as darling in person as it is online and this dress is fully lined, which for Old Navy is pretty impressive. However, before we get too excited, let’s remember the fit isn’t always the most flattering on a petite girl, so I came up with my own set of rules for how this petite girl should wear this dress, and any other dress with a little room to spare.
How to Wear a Swing Dress When You’re Petite
1. Keep the hem above your knees.
Nothing shortens the legs like a hemline that falls below your knees. So while sometimes I can pull off a midi skirt with a well cinched waist, I can’t pull off a swing style dress that goes past the knees. It makes me look shorter and wider. No one wants that. So, this dress fit that rule, what’s next?
2. Wear leg elongating shoes
As much as I want to wear a pair of sandals with this dress (if you’re a little taller you could) I look like a frumpy old maid without the height of a wedge. Leg elongating shoes have to hit a few things for me to actually be elongating. The closer they are to my skin color, the better. They can’t be heavy or clunky, and they have to really have some height on them. I love love love these Treasure and Bond wedges because they are the perfect color for my skin, aren’t overly heavy, and they are relatively tall without being uncomfortable. I also use this same rule when wearing midi length skirts and dresses.
3. Add shape with layers
I’m forever adding layers to my outfits to give it a little more structure. This dress is really light and comfortable on its own, but add the jacket and I feel like I have a better shape. Of course, the kind of layer you add makes a difference too. Personally, I think a jacket that hits above the hips looks best, anything longer and it’s just adding weight. I like to do little things like cuff my sleeves on jackets and blazers because not only does it add a little interest to the outfit, it also helps the jacket look less heavy on me. You could also add a belt for a little more shape to a swing style dress, but this dress in particular has a little too much fabric for a belt.
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Come fall, this dress will also look really cute with a pair of boots. For this petite girl, it will have to be a pair that elongates the legs, instead of chopping them at the ankles (ahem booties).
-Brooke
